Description
The Persian Love Cake is a traditional Persian dessert that combines almond flour, rose water, and a variety of spices to create a fragrant, moist, and decadent treat. Its unique name comes from the notion that the cake is infused with ingredients symbolizing love and romance. The addition of rose water gives it a distinct floral aroma, while the pistachios add texture and richness, making it not just a treat for the taste buds but for the senses as well.
Ingredients
For the cake:
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
½ cup (100g) light brown sugar
2 cups (200g) almond flour (finely ground almonds)
1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp ground cardamom
½ tsp ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt
¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
3 large eggs
½ cup (120ml) plain yogurt or sour cream
2 tbsp rose water (adjust to taste)
Zest of 1 lemon or orange
For the glaze:
1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
1 ½–2 tbsp lemon juice (or water + a drop of rose water)
For decoration:
2 tbsp pistachios, finely chopped
Dried rose petals (food grade)
Extra lemon/orange zest (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the cake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch (23cm) round cake tin.
In a large bowl, whisk together sugars, almond flour, flour, baking powder, cardamom, cinnamon, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk melted butter, eggs, yogurt, rose water, and citrus zest until smooth.
Fold wet mixture into dry ingredients until just combined (do not overmix).
Pour into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until golden and a skewer inserted comes out clean.
Cool completely on a wire rack.
2. Glaze & decorate
In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice until thick but pourable.
Drizzle or spread glaze over cooled cake.
Sprinkle with chopped pistachios, rose petals, and extra zest.
Notes
For added elegance, garnish with crushed pistachios, edible rose petals, or a light drizzle of rose syrup. Serve slightly warm with a cup of tea for a fragrant and comforting experience.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Persian / Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: ~340
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: Moderate
Keywords: Persian cake with rose water, pistachio cake, rose water cake, Persian Love Cake recipe, pistachio rose water cake